16th CSE Media Fellowship: Off-grid Renewable Energy

Power beyond the grid: Is renewable doable?

July 5, 2013 - September 5, 2013

This fellowship is supported by Misereor

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) 2011 report on renewable energy sources and climate change mitigation, 85 per cent of current primary energy driving global economies comes from the combustion of fossil fuels.

These fuels account for 56.6 per cent of all anthropogenic GHG emissions in the world. In 2007, energy generation accounted for 58 per cent of India's net GHG emissions. Use of renewable energy sources — such as sun and wind – could, thus, play a role in mitigating climate change and its impacts.

About 75 million of India's 226 million households (400 million people) have no access to power, says the Union ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE). In rural areas, the electrification rate hovers at 47.5 per cent - either the grid does not reach these places, or even if it reaches, it fails to provide end - point connectivity. In such a scenario, decentralised off-the-grid renewable power projects could be a way out.

Even in urban India, it is estimated that by 2017, soaring power rates would mean off-grid solar, particularly roof-top generation units, could become cheaper than conventional grid electricity.

Centre for Science and Environment’s (CSE) Media Fellowship Programme invited journalists from India writing/reporting in any language to apply for its 16th Media Fellowships to address, analyse and report on the issue of off-grid renewable energy.

4 jury members shortlisted 9 fellows from 43 complete applications from across the nation.

Amitava Das
Contributing reporter
AajKaal

Location: Agartala, Tripura

Story ideas

a) Forms of benefits and changes caused by stand-alone and mini-grid plants, lack of motivation of end-users, market demands and weakness in policy and system.

b) Demand for off-grid power on the rise, may surpass MNRE target. Story will highlight present status of off-grid solar systems, total number of consumers, communities and establishments under SPV uses, end goal to assess market demand.

c) Highlight demands of the nation, proposed capacities to be built in future and status of Tripura in the context. Growth of local entrepreneurs to be studied.
Jury’s suggestions

The Jury approved the proposal as is and suggested that Mr. Das also try and publish in at least one another mainstream daily as well, along with AajKaal.

a) Trace the development of small Hydel projects in Jammu and Kashmir, the potential of water mills, the work done after the Indian state surveys and by Indian Army's program to install 1000 water mills, work done, future of the program and recommendations from the ground.

b) Examine limitations and the issues preventing the state from establishing a single wind power project despite having the best WPD and the presence of several wind corridors. Also explore the success of hybrid solar-wind projects at few hospitals which save lives.

Jury's recommendations

a) Ladakh now has the maximum funds in the country to develop renewable energy – is solar energy working in Ladakh? Can you record some successful case studies? What is the current potential? What is the current status of Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency (LREDA)? How successful has it been in its operations?

b) What is the status of small hydro power and wind power generation in the rest of Jammu and Kashmir?

c) What is the state’s off-grid policy? How is it benefiting the economy and the people?

a) 3000 solar sets were allotted to farmers in Rajasthan in financial year ending March 2013. Solar pumps and solar sprinklers are a sustainable irrigation tool and could be used to usher a Green Energy Revolution. The government offers 86% subsidy and the farmer has to pay 14%.

b) Off-grid is the most feasible option for rural electrification in Rajasthan. In 2013-14, rooftop solar power generation scheme was announced for Jodhpur allowing small entrepreneurs to sell electricity to local people. 50% subsidy will be given for such initiatives.

c) Solar energy expenses have decreased from Rs 17-18 per unit to Rs 7 per unit and it is expected to further go down. Also, it provides decentralized energy supply as per demand. Western Rajasthan has more than 320 solar days a year and maximum solar radiation per square metre.

d) Rajasthan has a few villages which distribute off-grid electricity at a nominal price.
Jury’s suggestions

The Jury suggested that besides the ideas that he had proposed, he should also focus on off-grid renewable energy success stories in Rajasthan – mainly in the field of solar.

a) Analyse the functioning of RVEP by preparing a comprehensive report on the five tribal villages under the programme in Mayurbhanj district and five villages in Rayagada district.

b) Examine challenges being faced by implementing agencies and do an on-ground study and capture voices on aspects of pricing, subsidies and the quality of products available in the market.

b) Examine the status of the green residential complex in Kolkata and explore whether this model can be replicated in other urban centres. The story will pitch for a policy push for greener urban habitats.
Jury’s suggestions

The Jury approved her proposal as it was put. The jury members were keen that she cover the implementation of the RVEP, as well as some success stories in renewable energy in the state and perhaps focus on West Bengal.

Announcements

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is a New Delhi-based public interest research and advocacy organisation and is the recipient of the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize. It was recently ranked 17th among a global listing of top environmental think tanks in the Global Go To Think Tank Index, compiled each year by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program of the University of Pennsylvania in the US..